[minifun990]

Part 3
Not that it was always perfect though. Her mentor could be strict, or a dancing partner could become clumsy. Tanisha could get tired, begging not to spin on a hind paw just one more time.

It didn't help that her back had started aching, Uro claiming it was just standing on her hind paws making it sore. It would make sense, but Tamisha had a feeling it was more than that. It was strange how it flared with her most expressive movements, irrelevant of whether they balanced on two paws or four.

Dancing was hard, but when she got it right, it was as if everything lit up with joy. She felt so proud of herself, every movement mastered. When she could finally perform, everything would be worth it. Uro, and her family, her friends, would all be so proud.
(2)



It was the day of Taisha’s first performance. The moment she would prove herself to her pride. If this went right she would be allowed to share her stories for the next pride The Silk Show came across.

And Tanisha was extremely nervous. She felt vaguely queasy, her stomach hurting as if warning her against this. What if she wasn't ready yet? What if she made a mistake? She might stumble, or forget a step, miss a beat.

What if they just didn't like the story she expressed?

She would be embarrassed in front of everyone, disappointing her family and pride.

But her friends, Iah and Loveita, the ones who had first played true music for her were waiting. Loveita looked up from tuning her violin and Iah cleared his throat. It was time. She would just have to go through with this- .

No.

Tanisha couldn't think that way anymore. She squared her shoulders and put on a smile.

This was her Medium. This was what she had spent countless hours on. This was what she was working for and this was what would make her family proud. This was all her success and discovery wrapped up into one song.

She wasn't going to dance. She was going to perform

And with that thought she stepped onto the open air stage. She didn't miss the soft smile from Iah nor the way Loveita winked her direction. She knew they were nervous too but together they were strong.

The music started, building up and Tanisha fell into place. She rose, along with the violin, cautious and yet optimistic sounding. Small movements adjusting slightly as she started moving across the stage. It was mellow enough and she had a moment to glance at her pride mates faces.

Smiles and pleasant encouragement. They hadn't seen anything yet.

Iah started to sing, and from there the song progressed, challenging and powerful, Tanisha's movements becoming more fluid and graceful. She dove and span, watching as her father's face went from happiness to outright pride. Of her.

The bridge was fast approaching and Tanisha struggled to keep herself steady, to keep moving and going at the right speed. This was a three lion performance and she wasn't going to let them down. Her back burned as she got more spirited, lifted off her front feet and leapt up as the violin rose up in challenge.

There was a feeling of release, gasps and pride members standing in a sign of silent applause. A pause for a moment as Loveita missed a note. Had something gone wrong? Tanisha turned to where the audience were looking, only to realise she was the center of attention.

Her back was flourishing with flowers. Brilliant red blooms interspersed with gold ones. She had always had similarly coloured splotches, but never had she realised what she had been holding back. The flowers trembled, as if with her own confusion and surprise.

She grinned, and the flowers sprung back into full bloom with her emotions. It was incredible and breathtaking, and with a nod to her fellow musicians she stood with her back to the audience and shook all over, celebrating the end of the song with flower petals of her own making.

Celebrating her new found confidence and desire to take the world head on.

Welcome to the new age.
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